The 35th annual James Beard Foundation Awards took place June 16, 2025, at Chicago’s Lyric Opera, honoring culinary excellence across the U.S. and spotlighting innovation, equity, and immigrant influence throughout the hospitality industry. Best Chef: Texas went to Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Spring, Texas. Opened just before the pandemic, Bille’s Mexican-inspired menu earned national acclaim, including Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. Best Chef: Mid‑Atlantic was awarded to Carlos Delgado of Causa and Amazonia in Washington, D.C., a Michelin-starred Peruvian tasting counter and pisco bar. Best Chef: Northeast honored Sky Haneul Kim of Providence’s Gift Horse, rising above competitors from Boston, Burlington, and Connecticut. Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie’s in Austin received the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service award, celebrating his excellence in wine stewardship.

Chicago’s Kumiko, led by Julia Momosé, won Outstanding Bar, praised for its focus on Japanese spirits and immigrant-driven vision. New York-based Atomix claimed Outstanding Hospitality, while other NY winners included Jungsik Yim of Jungsik for Outstanding Chef, Vijay Kumar of Semma for Best Chef: New York State, and Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez of Superbueno for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine took home the prestigious Outstanding Restaurant award.

Saturday’s Media Awards honored Ashok Selvam of Eater Chicago with the Jonathan Gold Local Voice Award, while Martha Stewart was inducted into the Broadcast Media Hall of Fame. Other awards recognized exceptional food journalists, cookbook authors, and documentary producers. Immigrant influence: Winners like Momosé, Delgado, and Bille emphasized immigrant identity and resilience in their speeches—reinforcing the foundation’s recognition of multicultural contributions. Beverage innovation: New categories spotlighting beverage service reflect evolving industry trends toward wine, cocktails, and bar excellence.

Regional diversity: Awardees spanned from Texas to Colorado to Rhode Island, highlighting rising culinary scenes beyond historic hotspots. The 2025 Beard Awards reflect an expansive and inclusive vision of American dining—one welcoming cultural diversity, acknowledging beverage artistry, and recognizing excellence in all aspects, from kitchen to bar to media. As the awards honored both rising talents and industry veterans, they also underscored the growing importance of regional voices and immigrant narratives in shaping America’s food future.